Wednesday, July 20, 2016

We recently completed my son’s 7 ½ year visit. My son is
happy to go to TEDDY each time because he likes playing on the Kindle Fire,
getting a prize, and receiving the TEDDY money. I also think he likes coming to
my work, seeing my office, and meeting with Kim. When I asked him to draw
something about TEDDY he remembered the new slime with bugs from his most
recent visit. He asked to have his visit early because he was saving up for his
first large purchase and some of the TEDDY money helped him reach the full
amount. He saved money from two TEDDY visits, worked extra chores, and helped
on several house projects to earn enough money for a new Star Wars Lego. He and
I both have a special connection with TEDDY so I was happy the TEDDY money
helped him buy the Lego set he later built with my brother.

Though the prizes are fun and the money is awesome, my son
at 7 still does not quite understand why he participates in TEDDY. I have tried
explaining diabetes to him and his risk, using tools like the Junior Scientist
book, but I believe this is a difficult concept to understand for a child of
his age who does not know anyone with type 1 diabetes. I hope to continue the
conversation using the books and videos TEDDY has developed so when he’s older
he can understand why he is in TEDDY and how he and other children are helping
scientists discover the causes of type 1 diabetes.

We are lucky that his blood draws have gone very well. A
year and a half ago my son had a reaction to the numbing cream so now they only
uses the cooling spray that numbs the skin for a few seconds. My husband and I
wish it was this easy when he has to get shots!